Military Chain of Command 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which principle requires that each subordinate report to only one superior officer?
- Unity of command (Correct answer)
- Chain of command
- Span of control
- Command authority
Correct answer: Unity of command
Unity of command ensures each subordinate answers to exactly one superior, preventing conflicting orders.
Question 2: Who serves as the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces?
- Secretary of Defense
- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
- President of the United States (Correct answer)
- National Security Advisor
Correct answer: President of the United States
The U.S. Constitution designates the President as Commander in Chief of all armed forces.
Question 3: What term describes the number of subordinates a commander can effectively supervise?
- Chain of command
- Unity of effort
- Span of control (Correct answer)
- Command echelon
Correct answer: Span of control
Span of control defines how many direct reports a leader can effectively manage at one time.
Question 4: In which direction do orders flow through the chain of command?
- Laterally between units
- From subordinates to superiors
- From higher to lower echelons (Correct answer)
- Randomly as needed
Correct answer: From higher to lower echelons
Orders flow downward from senior commanders through each echelon to the lowest level of execution.
Question 5: What happens when a service member bypasses the chain of command without authorization?
- It is encouraged for efficiency
- It can undermine discipline and unit cohesion (Correct answer)
- It has no consequence
- It is required in emergencies
Correct answer: It can undermine discipline and unit cohesion
Bypassing the chain of command erodes trust, undermines authority, and can damage unit cohesion.
Question 6: Which document or law formally establishes the civilian authority over the U.S. military?
- The Uniform Code of Military Justice
- The National Security Act of 1947
- The U.S. Constitution (Correct answer)
- Army Regulation 600-20
Correct answer: The U.S. Constitution
The U.S. Constitution establishes civilian control of the military by making the President Commander in Chief.
Question 7: When a commander is absent, who typically assumes command?
- The most senior NCO present
- The next senior commissioned officer (Correct answer)
- The unit's first sergeant
- A designee from a higher headquarters
Correct answer: The next senior commissioned officer
The next senior commissioned officer in the unit assumes command when the primary commander is absent.
Military Chain of Command 2
Which principle requires that each subordinate report to only one superior officer?